As Ramzan begins this year, actor Sharib Hashmi is preparing to observe the month-long fast from dawn till dusk, just like many others. However, this year, he has a fresh approach when it comes to his diet. He has carefully planned his meals for the fasting month, and his main mantra for Ramzan this time around is simple: “Try, no fry.”
Sharib Hashmi’s Healthy Iftari: A New Approach
The “Try, no fry” philosophy reflects Sharib Hashmi‘s focus on healthier eating habits during Iftari, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. He explains that instead of indulging in too many fried foods, he wants to stick to simpler, healthier options that are rich in protein. “Our Iftari dastarkhwan (spread) will consist of protein-packed foods, as too many fried items can make us miss out on nutritious meals,” says Sharib.
However, he acknowledges that his daughter might not be as excited about this healthy approach. “She loves her fried treats,” he adds with a smile, hinting that it might be a bit of a challenge to balance his health-conscious choices with his daughter’s love for fried food.
Balancing Work and Fasting
Sharib’s schedule is not the easiest to manage during Ramzan. As an actor, he has a demanding job, and fasting while working isn’t always a walk in the park. He recalls the difficulties he faced during the shooting of The Family Man season 1 when he was fasting while filming a high-energy action sequence. “I had to run a lot, and though I was fasting, I still had to complete the scene. It was tough, but I managed to do it,” Sharib shares.
Being an actor often requires long hours on set, and sometimes those hours overlap with the fasting period, making it even harder to stick to the fast. But Sharib has learned to manage the physical and mental challenges that come with fasting and working simultaneously.
Food Temptations During ‘Tarla’ Shoot
Shooting for the film Tarla (2023) also posed a unique challenge for Sharib. The movie revolves around food, which means there were a lot of delicious dishes around him on set. Being someone who was fasting at the time, resisting the temptation of all the food was no easy task. “There were so many amazing delicacies on set, and it was definitely a real challenge to stay focused and keep my fast,” he recalls.
Embracing the Spiritual Journey of Ramzan
Despite the challenges of fasting and working in a busy environment, Sharib sees Ramzan as an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth. He believes that fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food but also about cleansing the body and the mind. For him, it’s a time to reconnect with his spiritual side, practice patience, and appreciate the blessings in his life.
Sharib Hashmi is taking a mindful and balanced approach to this year’s Ramzan. With his mantra of “Try, no fry,” he’s focusing on healthier eating habits, while also managing the challenges of balancing work and fasting. As he navigates this special month, he’s ready to embrace both the physical and spiritual aspects of Ramzan, knowing that it’s a time for reflection, growth, and gratitude.
